A Plain Saree to Designer Saree Makeover Using Hand Embroidery and Tatting kuchu

Here I am sharing the process of how I converted a plain saree into a designer saree using my strongest skills — Kutchwork embroidery and tatting.

I bought this saree from a local vendor. It is a dark purple artificial silk saree, completely plain but with a slight sheen. Initially I thought of attaching a border to make it look grand, but later decided to embroider it instead. Kutchwork has always been my favourite embroidery style.

For this saree makeover, I chose my favourite peacock design.

Design Planning

This saree was meant for my sister, so I wanted to give my best work. Normally motifs are repeated all over the saree or placed along the border. Instead, I planned a pallu-focused design.

Two peacock motifs are placed straight on one side of the pallu, and the peacocks on the other side are arranged in reverse order. This way, when the saree is draped over the shoulder, the design appears visually balanced.

Colours & Threads

From experience I understand which colours and threads suit different saree fabrics. Though this is artificial silk, it has a noticeable sheen, so I selected silk thread reels to match the texture.

Initially I considered light lavender and pink tones. After several trials, I chose realistic peacock colours — blue, gold and aqua green — which suited the saree much better.

The motif placement and final look of the saree have already been shared in the previous post.

Tatted Kucchu Creation:

Nowadays saree kucchus are in trend. I personally like simple kucchu made using crochet or tatting, so for this saree I chose to make a tatted saree kucchu.

I got the pattern from a friend — it is originally a lace design. I adapted it for the saree and added beads into the tatting to give it a richer finish.

Here is the tatted kucchu attached to the hand-embroidered saree:

The tatted saree kuchu

I usually prefer cotton thread for tatting. However, this saree has a sheen and the embroidery is also done using silk threads, so I chose cone threads with a similar shiny appearance.

I normally avoid working with cone threads because they are slippery and harder to control, but in this case they matched the saree better.

The thread colours are again peacock blue and green, and the beads are light blue.

Here is a closer view of the saree kucchu:

The closer view

The kuchu

I am so excited to give this saree to my sister. Just want to see her reaction!

Love,Laugh and Live the life to the fullest,

-Ranjana